lhbernhardt

Thanks, I will have to check that out. And it's interesting that you think Starbucks over-roasts. I think they actually burn some of the beans to impart a small amount of "smoky" taste, something that is quite fashionable nowadays. I think Starbucks does this in order to strengthen the taste of the coffee when it's blended into one of those double skim-milk latte's; the beans have to be slightly burnt so you get a coffee drink and not a hot milkshake.

This burning, or over-roasting is quite characteristic of contemporary cuisine and is evident at trendy restaurants that serve grilled vegetables, slightly burnt, and "Chicago-style" steaks - medium rare on the inside, charred on the outside. Humous that is made from egg plants is called "baba ganoush," and to make it properly, you burn the rather bland eggplant slightly before blending it so you get a nice, slightly smoky taste. And of course, my favorite scotches are the Islay malts (Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, etc) which have a "smoky," peaty flavor.

Luis

Dr. Rockenstein

i use the Bialetti 'Brikka' stove top espresso maker. people that spend four digits on an automatic espresso machine confound me. a) you just spent 4 digits b) your 'coffee' tastes like crap. for roughly $50 i have the perfect coffee maker that will last a lifetime (i will replace the rubber seals as needed), which provides me with a perfect quadruple espresso to start my day every day. Lavazza. Crema e Gusto. trust me, you can't find coffee this good 'out there'.

suncake

The best $20 I ever spent was for an Aeropress. Way way quicker to clean than a press. Flavor-wise, each has its strengths...so get both.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0047BIWSK

clawhammer72

+1 to Laphroaig (and Lagavulin when I can afford it, which ain't too often now that I am no longer single. : )

Unlike Scotch, however, coffee doesn't age well. The darker roast will create a stronger flavor, but not necessarily a better one. Over roasting will kill off the bright subtle beauties of the beans from different regions. This allows Starbucks to recreate the same taste each and every time (Just like McDonalds), which has its economic benefits I suppose, but it really sells good coffee short, imho. To each his own. : )

Stealthammer

... +1 ... Awesome rich flavor. Trung Nguyen is one of the best Vietnamese coffee roasters online.

velocycling

I am drinking Trung Nguyen Gourmet right now. I get it for $5.69 at the Asian grocery. Make with the brewers. It is really strong.

pallen

I roast my own and sell it in the neighborhood. Freshness makes a big difference. I used to have an espresso machine at work, but after numerous people coming to me and complaining about how bad the office coffee is, I decided to bring my own coffee maker. They let me set up my own coffee setup in the break room with a tip jar to offset my costs. I roast at home and grind a bag for the day in the morning before I take off. Some days I miss my espresso, but this way I get to share the good stuff.

For those of you that make a single cup and didnt like the "dirty" taste you can get from french press, check out the Aeropress.
https://www.amazon.com/Aerobie-AeroPr...5794176&sr=8-1

clawhammer72

You are a good, good man. +1 to the aeropress. Have you tried Hario Pour over? I also roast my own. I spent 5 years drinking only espresso from my Rancillo Sylvia at home, and drinking tea at work. Then a friend gave me a Hario V60. Now, I have changed my preference. I never thought that would happen.

badrad

+1 small McD coffee and an orange cranberry muffin for $1.39 - can't beat that! and you can get refills on the coffee if you finish it there.